Small businesses set to increase employees

Just over 40 per cent of small businesses in Tasmania plan to increase their employee numbers in the next two years, according to research published by the government on Friday.

Liberal Braddon MP Roger Jaensch. Picture: Lachlan Bennett

Researchers EMRS surveyed 800 small businesses and held focus groups with 13 to compile to research.

EMRS found two thirds of small businesses have paid employees, a 26 per cent increase compared to two years ago.

It also revealed one in 10 small businesses are startups and 67 per cent felt there are key opportunities for small businesses to operate successfully in Tasmania.

The research was published to coincide with the end of Small Business Week.

Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business Roger Jaensch said the preliminary results were “positive for the over 36,000 small businesses operating in Tasmania”.

“The Hodgman Government is a proud supporter of Tasmania’s small business sector, and the 2017-18 Budget included $25 million for a youth employment strategy that will help Tasmanian businesses of all sizes give young Tasmanians their first job and training for their future,” he said.

Final analysis and recommendations from the research will be published and provided to the Department of State Growth at a later date.